Connection terminal

Abstract

A connecting terminal (1) for electrical conductors with an insulating housing (6) having a conductor insertion channel (7) extending in a conductor insertion direction (L), and with a contact insert (2) formed from a clamping spring (3) and a busbar (4), wherein the clamping spring (3) has a tongue root (9), a clamping leg (10) movably projecting from the tongue root (9) with its free end section (11), and a contact leg (32) with edge webs (12) defining a recess and arranged on both sides next to the clamping leg (10), characterized in that - the mounting leg (32) extends with a first section (32a) from the common tongue root (9) in the conductor insertion direction (L) and with a second section (32b) extends transversely to the conductor insertion direction (L) towards the busbar (4) and with a third section (32c) extends opposite to the conductor insertion direction (L), wherein the first section (32a) is formed by the edge webs (12), and - a holding element (5) forms a further part in addition to the clamping spring (3) and the busbar (4), wherein the holding element (5) is connected to the contact insert (2), - wherein the holding element (5) is attached to the third section (32c) of the support leg (32) by a holding section (13) and has at least one detent rib (16) which extends next to the second section (32b) and each of the edge ribs (12) of the clamping spring (3) towards the first section (32a) of the support leg (32) and has a detent contour (17) which is designed to form a stop for the clamping leg (10) which is moved into an open position towards the first section (32a) of the support leg (32), and - wherein the holding element (5) has at least one release rib (18) extending from the locking rib (16) in the conductor insertion direction (L) and connected to a release plate (20) oriented transversely to the conductor insertion direction (L).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a terminal block for electrical conductors with an insulating housing having a conductor insertion channel extending in a conductor insertion direction, and with a contact insert formed from a clamping spring and a busbar, wherein the clamping spring has a tongue root, a clamping leg movably projecting from the tongue root with its free end section and a contact leg with edge webs defining a window recess and arranged on both sides next to the clamping leg.

[0002] Connection terminals are used for electrically connecting conductors by clamping them to a terminal formed between the clamping arm of a spring clamp and a busbar. To clamp the conductor, the conductor pushes the spring clamp away from the busbar against its force. This is easily accomplished with solid or stranded conductors, but with flexible conductors, especially those with fine strands, it can lead to fraying and bending of individual strands. Once inserted, adjustments are not possible during the wiring process, as the directly connected conductors are clamped by the spring force and can only be removed by opening the spring clamp or unscrewing the conductor from the terminal.

[0003] EP 1 855 353 B1 discloses a terminal block for electrical conductors with a terminal housing made of insulating material and with a contact insert having several clamping points arranged side by side in a row, into which the stripped ends of the electrical conductors can be inserted parallel to each other from the same side of the terminal housing. The contact insert consists of a piece of spring steel sheet and a busbar common to all clamping points, which is made of a highly electrically conductive material. Several leaf springs in the form of leaf spring tongues are cut or punched from a piece of spring steel sheet, corresponding to the number of clamping points, such that their tongue roots are connected to the upper edge region of the spring steel sheet.The free ends of the leaf spring tongues extend towards the lower edge of the spring steel sheet and are each directed towards the busbar, which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring tongues and is held in position by the lower edge of the spring steel sheet. The stripped ends of the electrical conductors are first inserted through the window openings created by the cutouts of the leaf spring tongues in the spring steel sheet, and they are then electrically and mechanically clamped in the clamping points formed between the free ends of the leaf spring tongues and the busbar.The main direction of extension of the window recesses in the spring steel sheet intersects the axes of the clamped electrical conductors at such a shallow angle that both the upper edge of the spring steel sheet, with the tongue roots of the leaf spring tongues, and the lower edge of the spring steel sheet, with the fixed busbar, are positioned adjacent to the stripped ends of the clamped electrical conductors. Viewed in cross-section at a clamping point, the lower edge of the spring steel sheet, with a portion of the window recesses terminating there, is bent back against the conductor insertion direction, thus forming a V-shaped receiving space open against the conductor insertion direction and encased in metal on its other sides. A busbar with a flat cross-section and thin wall thickness is inserted into the V-shaped receiving space in the conductor insertion direction.The lengths of the leaf spring tongues are dimensioned so that, with the clamping point unoccupied and closed, their tongue ends extend through the window recesses of the spring steel sheet and rest against the busbar.

[0004] EP 3 507 866 B1 describes a conductor terminal with a sheet metal part and at least one clamping spring projecting from the sheet metal part, which is connected to the sheet metal part at its root. The root region is the transition between the clamping spring and the sheet metal part, wherein the at least one clamping spring is formed integrally from the material of the sheet metal part. The clamping spring is exposed from the sheet metal part and bent out of the plane of the sheet metal part. A hole is present in the plane of the sheet metal part. The sheet metal part is curved in the root region, the curve having a groove base oriented transversely to the main extension direction of the clamping spring. The clamping spring is bent back in the curve against the spring force of the clamping spring.

[0005] DE 20 2018 102 218 U1 discloses an electrical terminal block for connecting a conductor to a busbar, a clamping spring by means of which the conductor is clamped against the busbar in a clamped state, and an actuating element by means of which the clamping spring can be moved from the clamped state to an unclamped state. The clamping spring is designed as a leaf spring. A receiving element is provided to which the clamping spring is attached. The receiving element has a retaining element by which the clamping spring is held in the unclamped state and from which the clamping spring is released in the clamped state. The retaining element is pivotable to release the clamping spring from the retaining element, and the retaining element has a pressure surface which can be actuated by means of the conductor to be connected to execute the pivoting movement.

[0006] There is a need for a compact and simply constructed terminal block to provide a self-holding clamping spring in the open position for connecting electrical conductors. It is often desirable for terminal blocks to be delivered from the factory with the leaf spring tongue open.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to create an improved connecting clamp.

[0008] The problem is solved by the connecting clamp with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] It is proposed that the contact insert of a generic terminal block comprises a clamping spring with a contact leg extending with a first section from the common tongue root in the conductor insertion direction, with a second section transverse to the conductor insertion direction towards the busbar, and with a third section opposite to the conductor insertion direction, the second section being formed by the edge webs. A hold-open element is provided as a further component in addition to the clamping spring and the busbar, i.e., in addition to the contact insert, the hold-open element being connected to the contact insert formed by the clamping spring and the busbar.The holding element is attached to the third section of the mounting leg and to the busbar by a retaining section and has at least one locking tab that extends alongside each of the edge tabs of the second section of the mounting leg towards the first section of the mounting leg. The locking tab has a locking contour designed to form a stop for the clamping leg when it is moved into an open position towards the first section of the mounting leg. The holding element has at least one release tab that extends from the locking tab in the conductor insertion direction and is connected to a release plate oriented transversely to the conductor insertion direction.

[0010] With the aid of the additional holding element attached to the contact insert, the clamping leg can be delivered in the open position at the factory. For this purpose, the detent contour forms a stop for the clamping leg, which rests on the detent lug and is locked into place by the spring force of the clamping spring with the respective detent contour of the at least one detent lug.

[0011] The clamping spring, with its first, second, and third sections of the clamping leg, forms a U-shaped frame open in the opposite direction to the conductor insertion direction. The second section features a window recess (also called a through-opening) laterally bounded by the edge ribs of the second section. The space behind the U-shaped frame, intended to accommodate the conductor end, is used to hold the open element and position the release plate. When the conductor end strikes the release plate during insertion in the direction of conductor insertion, it displaces the release plate and the associated locking rib. This releases the locking contour for the clamping leg, thus disengaging the clamping leg. The clamping leg then moves with its free end section (i.e., the end of the clamping leg) due to the spring force.the terminal end) to the electrical conductor in order to clamp it between the free end section of the terminal leg and the busbar.

[0012] The term "transverse" does not necessarily refer to a 90° angle. Rather, it is sufficient if the conductor insertion direction is at such an angle to the surface perpendicular to it that the perpendicular surface intersects the conductor insertion direction within the functionally available space of the terminal block. Accordingly, the plane defined by the release plate lies on the plane defined by the associated release ribs, without requiring a right angle. In particular, angles in the range of 45° to 135° are always considered "transverse" within the meaning of this invention.

[0013] Preferably, a clamping spring has two spaced-apart detent lugs, each with a detent contour, which form a stop for the free end of the associated clamping leg. The free end of the clamping leg can have the clamping edge, which is designed for clamping an electrical conductor to the busbar. With such a pair of detent lugs and detent contours, the clamping leg is locked on both sides. This results in a symmetrical, stable structure and a reliable stop in the open position of the locked clamping leg. A space is created between the detent lugs, which serves as a through-hole for the insertion of the electrical conductor to be clamped.

[0014] The locking contour can be formed by a recess on the locking lugs. This recess provides a support platform for the free end of the clamping arm. Alternatively, the locking contour can be formed by a bend at the transition between the locking lug and the release lug angled away from it, with the release lug serving as a support for the clamping arm in the area of ​​the bend. The locking contour can also be formed by a material flap projecting from the locking lug towards the base of the tongue, opposite to the direction of conductor insertion.

[0015] The third section of the mounting leg can be designed as a crossbar that connects the edge webs of the mounting leg. This stabilizes the clamping spring.

[0016] The holding element can be positively connected to the crossbar of the third section of the support leg via its retaining section. This allows the crossbar to be used for connection with the retaining section of the holding element.

[0017] The retaining section can be U-shaped and accommodate the crossbar of the third section of the mounting leg. This allows for a simple, reliable, and durable positive connection between the holding element and the clamping spring, requiring minimal material and enabling the separately manufactured holding element to be connected to the clamping spring.

[0018] The retaining section of the open-holding element can have a U-shaped retaining claw between each pair of locking lugs. The material of the open-holding element remaining in the space between the locking lugs during their formation is used to create the retaining claws. The U-shaped retaining claws enable a positive-locking engagement of a transverse rib between the edge ribs of the contact leg. The retaining claws can be pre-tensioned onto the transverse rib to additionally achieve a force-fit connection between the open-holding element and the contact insert.

[0019] The retaining section of the holding element can be positively engaged between the busbar and the third section of the clamping spring's contact leg. In this way, the busbar covers the retaining section, preventing an inserted electrical conductor from coming into contact with it and becoming entangled.

[0020] The contact insert can have several clamping points arranged side by side in a row, into which the stripped ends of the electrical conductors can be inserted parallel to each other from the same side of the insulating housing. Depending on the number of poles of the terminal block, several clamping arms project side by side from the common base of the tongue. The busbar common to all clamping points extends along the opposite side of the base of the tongue in the direction of the clamping arms and the edge ribs of the contact arm.

[0021] The holding element can have a holding crossbar on its holding section, from which an adjacent pair of locking lugs project at a distance from each other, forming a conductor through-hole, for each clamping leg. Adjacent to the locking contour located furthest from the holding crossbar, the pair of locking lugs transitions into release lugs, which extend at an angle to the locking lugs. Each pair of release lugs is connected to a release plate extending transversely to the release lugs. The locking contour can be designed as an indentation, a recess, or a bend at the transition from a locking lug to the projecting release lug.

[0022] The busbar can extend with a clamping section into the space between a pair of edge ribs at the transition from the second to the third section of the mounting leg. This allows the busbar to be fixed in position against the clamping spring. A clamping section, together with a clamping edge of a clamping leg, can form a clamping point for connecting an electrical conductor.

[0023] The clamping spring can be formed from a spring steel sheet, wherein the clamping leg is separated from laterally adjacent first sections of the contact leg in the form of a leaf spring tongue, and the first and second sections are designed as edge webs.

[0024] The clamping spring can be a U-shaped bent leg spring, with the tongue root formed from a spring arc connecting the clamping leg to the contact leg.

[0025] The spring bow can have several sections separated by a gap. This allows the spring characteristics to be advantageously influenced according to the requirements.

[0026] The insulating housing can have a rib that projects into the space between each pair of release ribs. This achieves a guided, movable bearing of the holding element by the insulating housing.

[0027] The insulating housing can have a cover section with conductor entry channels arranged side by side and a main section with a receiving opening for the contact insert and conductor collection pockets. The release plates of the holding element are arranged in the conductor collection pockets. An electrical conductor inserted in the direction of conductor insertion, aligned with the conductor entry channels, is thus guided through the window opening between a pair of edge ribs of the spring steel sheet or locking ribs of the holding element and encounters the release plate, which is aligned perpendicular to the conductor insertion direction. This causes the release plate, and thus the release ribs and locking ribs, to be displaced. By moving the locking contour away from the free end section of the leaf spring tongue, the leaf spring tongue is released.

[0028] In general, in connection with this application, the words "ein / eine" are not to be understood as numerals, unless expressly defined otherwise, but as indefinite articles with the meaning of "at least one".

[0029] The invention allows for various embodiments and is described in more detail below by way of example. The figures show: Fig. 1 - Side section view of a terminal block with contact insert and holding element; Fig. 2 - Perspective view of the contact insert with the associated holding element of the connecting terminal Fig. 1 looking in the direction of conductor insertion; Fig. 3 - Perspective view of the contact insert with the associated holding element of the connecting terminal Fig. 1 looking opposite to the direction of conductor insertion; Fig. 4 - Side view of the contact insert with the associated holding element made of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 - Perspective view of the holding element looking in the direction of conductor insertion; Fig. 6 - Perspective view of the holding element looking opposite to the direction of ladder insertion; Fig. 7 - Perspective view of the holding element connected to the clamping spring, looking in the direction of conductor insertion; Fig. 8 - Perspective view of the holding element connected to the clamping spring, looking opposite to the direction of conductor insertion; Fig. 9 - Front view of the holding element connected to the clamping spring, looking in the direction of conductor insertion; Fig. 10 - Rear view of the holding element connected to the clamping spring, looking opposite to the direction of conductor insertion; Fig. 11 - Perspective view of the connecting terminal from Fig. 1; Fig. 12 - Side view of the connecting terminal Fig. 1 and Fig. 11; Fig. 13 - Side section view of a second embodiment of a connecting terminal with contact insert and holding element; Fig. 14 - Side view of a spring-loaded clamping spring for the contact insert of the connecting terminal Fig. 13; Fig. 15 - Side view of the clamping spring for the contact insert of the connecting terminal Fig. 14 in the closed clamping position; Fig. 16 - Side view of the clamping spring for the contact insert of the connecting terminal Fig. 14 in the open hold-open position; Fig. 17 - Perspective view of the clamping spring made of Fig. 15 in the closed clamping position; Fig. 18 - Perspective rear side sectional view of the connecting clamp made of Fig. 13; Fig. 19 - Side section view of the contact insert of the second embodiment of a connecting terminal with holding element in the open holding position.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side section view of a terminal block 1 with a contact insert 2, which is formed from a clamping spring 3 and a busbar 4, and with a holding element 5. The contact insert 2 is installed together with the holding element 5 in an insulating housing 6.

[0031] The insulating housing 6 can be formed in two parts, consisting of a main part 6a and a cover part 6b. The cover part 6b has conductor entry channels 7 extending in the conductor insertion direction L. A conductor collection pocket 8 is provided in the main part 6a of the insulating housing 6, aligned F with the conductor entry channels 7. This pocket is designed to receive the conductor end of an inserted and clamped electrical conductor.

[0032] The clamping spring 3 is formed from a sheet of spring steel and has a tongue root 9 from which clamping legs 10 project in the form of leaf spring tongues. The clamping legs 10 are partially cut free from the sheet material of the spring steel and are movable at their free end sections 11. The spring steel provides a spring force with which the free end sections 11 of the clamping legs 10 spring out towards the opposite and spaced-apart busbar 4. Edge webs 12 of a contact leg 32 remain laterally adjacent to the clamping legs 10. This contact leg has a first (horizontal) section 32a, which extends from the common tongue root 9 in the conductor insertion direction L and transitions into a second (vertical) section 32b projecting transversely to it in the direction of the busbar 4.Below the busbar 4, the second (vertical) section 32b bends into a third (horizontal) section 32c, extending in the opposite direction to the conductor insertion direction L towards the conductor entry channel 7. The busbar 4 rests on the third section 32c and is thus located at a distance opposite the first section 32a, between this first section 32a and the third section 32c.

[0033] The holding element 5 is formed as an additional part, separate from the clamping spring 3 and the busbar 4. It can be a sheet metal part with a sheet thickness that is less than the sheet thickness of the spring steel sheet of the clamping spring 3 and the busbar 4.

[0034] The holding element 5 has a retaining section 13 which is positively connected to the third section 32c of the mounting leg 32. For this purpose, a U-shaped retaining claw 14 can engage a transverse web 15 of the third section 32c. If the U-shaped retaining claw 14 is fitted onto the transverse web 15 with spring tension under an interference fit, the holding element 5 can also be frictionally connected to the clamping spring 3.

[0035] Detent lugs 16 project from the holding section 13 of the open-holding element 5 and extend alongside the second sections 32b of the clamping leg 32 in the direction of the plane of the first (horizontal) section 32a. In the area of ​​the free end section 11 of the clamping leg 10, which is displaced against the spring force into the open position shown, a detent contour 17 is present on the detent lugs 16, which forms a stop for the free end section 11 of the clamping leg 10 in the open position. The free end section 11, which has the clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor, is pressed against the detent contour 17 by the spring force and detented on the open-holding element 5.

[0036] The locking contour 17 is located in the area of ​​a bend where the locking tabs 16 each transition into a (horizontal in the cross-sectional view) release tab 18. The release tab 18, concealed (not visible) by a tab 19 of the insulating housing 6, is connected to a release plate 20, which is bent away from the release tab 18 and extends transversely into the conductor collection pocket 8 in the plane F of the conductor insertion direction L.

[0037] In an optional variant, the release rib 18 can connect to the first depicted bend of the locking contour 17, so that this bend between the locking rib 16 and the release rib 18 forms a platform that provides a stop for the free end section 11 of the clamping leg 10. The clamping leg 10 can be supported on the release rib 18.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the contact insert 2 with the associated holding element 5 of the connecting terminal 1. Fig. 1 looking in the direction of conductor insertion L.

[0039] It becomes clear that the clamping spring 3 has a tongue root 9 extending transversely to the conductor insertion direction, from which a pair of edge ribs 12 and a clamping leg 10 project between the pair of edge ribs 12. In this embodiment, the clamping leg 10 is laterally exposed from the edge ribs 12 and is movable relative to the edge ribs 12 with its free end section 11. The first section 32a of the contact leg 32 adjoining the tongue root 9 transitions, after a bend in the region of the free end of the clamping leg 10 having a clamping edge, into a second section 32b oriented transversely to the conductor insertion direction L, to which a third section 32c of the contact leg 32, bent back in the opposite direction to the conductor insertion direction L, is connected.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, a three-pole contact insert 2 with three clamping arms 10 is shown, which are arranged side by side with intermediate first sections 32a of the contact arm 32 designed as edge webs 12. Three independent spring steel sheets can be used, arranged side by side. Alternatively, a single spring steel sheet can be used. The adjacent edge webs 12 between two clamping arms 10 designed as leaf spring tongues can be separated from each other, or a common first section 32a of an edge web 12 of a contact arm 32 can be present. Separating the edge webs 12 has the advantage of separating the spring action of the clamping arms 10.

[0041] At a distance from the plane spanned by the first section 32a of the system leg 32, a common busbar 4 extending transversely across several clamping points is arranged, which is supported on the third sections 32c of the system leg 32. The busbar 4 is made of an electrically conductive material, such as a copper alloy.

[0042] The holding element 5 has a holding crossbar 21 extending over the third sections 32c of the mounting legs 32, which is supported on the third sections 32c of the mounting legs 32 opposite the conductor rail 4.

[0043] In addition to the second (vertical) sections 32b of the edge webs 12 of the mounting legs 32, locking webs 16 extend from the retaining cross web 21. It can be seen that the free end section 11 of the clamping legs 10, in the open state shown, engages in a locking contour 17 of the locking webs 16. This locks the clamping leg 10, which is under spring tension, on both sides against a spaced-apart pair of locking webs 16.

[0044] Adjacent to the detent contour 17, a release lug 18 projects from a detent lug 16. A pair of release lugs 18 present for a clamping point, i.e., a clamping leg 10, is connected at its end by a release plate 20, which projects transversely from the plane of the release lugs 18.

[0045] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the contact insert 2 with the associated holding element 5 of the connecting terminal 1. Fig. 1 looking opposite to the direction of conductor insertion L.

[0046] It can be seen that the free end section 11 of the clamping leg 10 dips into the detent contour 17, which is designed as a recess or rebate, and rests there against the detent rib 16. The detent contour 17 thus forms a stop for the clamping leg 10, which is pressed onto the detent contour 17 by the spring force and therefore locks in the open position.

[0047] Release ribs 18 project from the locking tabs 16 in the direction of conductor insertion L, and are spaced apart from each other by a gap 23.

[0048] It becomes clear that a pair of resting platforms 16 are spaced apart from each other, each forming a window recess 24 (passage opening).

[0049] The busbar 4 can extend into the window recess 24, which is limited by two edge webs 12 or locking webs 16, using clamping sections 22, and thus be held in position.

[0050] It can be seen that 21 holding claws 14 have bent off from the holding crossbar, which engage a crossbar 15 of the holding section 13.

[0051] Fig. Figure 4 shows a side section view of the contact insert with the associated holding element. Fig. 3.

[0052] It becomes clear that when an electrical conductor is inserted through the window recess 24 in the direction of insertion, this conductor strikes the release plate 20, which is aligned with F. This exerts a release force A in the direction of insertion L, which displaces the release plate 20, together with the release lugs 18 and the locking contour 17, in the direction of insertion L. This releases the stop formed by the locking contour 17 for the free end section 11 of the clamping arm 10, and the clamping arm 10 is moved towards the busbar 4 by the spring force. The electrical conductor is thus clamped between the clamping edge at the free end section 11 of the clamping arm 10 and the busbar 4.

[0053] It can be seen that the U-shaped retaining claw 14 engages the cross web 15 on the third (horizontal) section 32c of the contact leg. The retaining cross web 21 rests opposite the conductor rail 4 on the edge webs 12 or the contact leg 32, and a positive locking connection, and, if applicable in the case of an interference fit, also a frictional or force-fit connection with the spring steel sheet of the clamping spring 3, is formed by a bent retaining flap 25.

[0054] The locking tabs 16 project from the retaining crossbar 21. They each pass laterally by a clamping section 22 of the busbar 4. The clamping section 22 has a contact edge 26, which is opposite the clamping edge on the free end section 11 of the clamping leg 10. The contact edge 26 and the clamping edge 27 form a clamping point for connecting an electrical conductor between the clamping edge 27 and the contact edge 26.

[0055] The clamping edge 27, in the illustrated latched open position, abuts the detent contour 17 and exerts a spring force on the indentation of the detent contour 17, directed in the extension direction of the detent ribs 16 towards the retaining claw 14. The release force A acts transversely to this, so that only the frictional engagement between the clamping edge 27 and the detent contour 17 needs to be overcome to release the latch.

[0056] Furthermore, it can be seen that the clamping leg 10 is connected to the tongue root 9 by a first bend directed away from the busbar 4. The tongue root 9, together with this bend, serves as a force storage device to apply a significant portion of the spring force of the clamping leg 10.

[0057] The free end section 11 of the clamping leg 10 can be angled towards the clamping edge 27 in the direction of the busbar 4. This facilitates the clamping edge 27 gripping the electrical conductor to be clamped.

[0058] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the holding element 5 looking in the direction of conductor insertion L.

[0059] It can be seen that the retaining crossbar 21, in the form of a rectangular plate, extends transversely across the multiple clamping points or pairs of locking lugs 16. A pair of locking lugs 16 is provided for each clamping point, each of which transitions into a release lug 18 bent from the retaining crossbar 21 at a distance from it. Each pair of release lugs 18 is connected by a release plate 20. The release plate 20 projects transversely from the plane of the release lugs 18.

[0060] The space between a pair of locking lugs 16 provides a window recess 24. The adjoining release lugs 18 are also spaced apart from each other by a gap 23. This gap 23 can optionally be used for guidance by having a lug 19 of the insulating housing 6 engage in the gap 23.

[0061] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the holding element 5 looking opposite to the direction of conductor insertion L.

[0062] It can be seen that retaining claws 14 have been bent from the retaining crossbar 1 between each pair of locking bars 16. Together with the plane of the retaining crossbar 21, a U-shaped retaining claw 14 is created, which is pushed onto a crossbar 15 on the third (horizontal) section 32c of the mounting leg 32.

[0063] The detent contour 17 of the detent ribs 16, formed by an indentation or an S-shaped bend, in the transition to the release ribs 18, provides a platform for forming a stop for the clamping leg 10.

[0064] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the holding element 5 connected to the spring steel sheet 3, looking in the direction of conductor insertion L.

[0065] The clamping arms 10 are engaged with their free end sections 11 on the detent contours 17. They project into the recess of the detent contours 17 and are prevented from springing out towards the retaining crossbar 21 by the detent ribs 17 above them.

[0066] In this embodiment, the clamping spring 3 is designed as a one-piece element with two spaced-apart third sections 32c of the edge webs 12 of the contact leg 32 extending transversely at its outer ends. These two third sections 32c are connected to each other by a non-visible transverse web 15. The tongue root 9 and first sections 32a of the edge webs 12 can be separated by a parting cut, so that each clamping leg 10, with its adjacent first sections 32a of the edge webs 12 of the contact leg 32, is movable independently of the adjacent clamping leg 10.

[0067] Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the holding element 5 connected to the spring steel sheet of the clamping spring 3, looking opposite to the conductor insertion direction L.

[0068] The vertical second sections 32b of the edge webs 12 of adjacent clamping legs 10 can be joined together after a bend in the (not visible) cross web 15. The cross web 15 forms the third (horizontal) section 32c of the mounting leg 32.

[0069] It becomes clear that the support crossbeam 21 rests on the third sections 32c of the plant leg 32.

[0070] The spring steel sheet 3 is designed as a U-shaped bent part that is open opposite to the conductor insertion direction L, in that the first section 32a and the third section 32c project from the vertical second sections 32b of the mounting leg 32 in the opposite direction to the conductor insertion direction L. The holding element 5 is attached to the clamping spring 3 from the rear side in the conductor insertion direction L, with the release lugs 18 projecting from the vertical second sections 32b in the conductor insertion direction L.

[0071] It can be seen that the resting webs 16 each extend next to an adjacent second section 32b in the same vertical direction from the support crossbar 21 to the plane of the first (horizontal) section 32a of the mounting leg 32. The resting contours 17 are each positioned next to an edge web 12 and thus laterally supported.

[0072] In the transition between the locking bars 16 and the release bar 18, the locking contour 17 can optionally widen, so that the locking bars 16 are narrower than the release bars 18.

[0073] Fig. Figure 9 shows a front view of the holding element 5 connected to the spring steel sheet 3, looking in the direction of conductor insertion L and Fig. Figure 10 shows a rear view opposite to the conductor insertion direction L of the holding element 5 connected to the clamping spring 3, looking opposite to the conductor insertion direction L.

[0074] It becomes clear that the release plates 20 are positioned behind the window recess 24, which is bounded by a pair of locking tabs 16, and form a barrier for an electrical conductor being inserted, perpendicular to the conductor insertion direction L. When inserted, the conductor inevitably encounters this release plate 20, which is positioned in the path F, in order to displace the locking contour 17 for the release of the clamping arm 10.

[0075] The free end sections 11 of the clamping leg 10 are locked onto the locking tabs 16 on both sides. These symmetrical lateral stops hold the clamping legs 10 securely, preventing them from disengaging on their own through rotation.

[0076] Fig. Figure 11 shows a perspective view and Fig. 12 a side view of the connecting terminal 1 from Fig. 1.

[0077] The terminal block 1 can have an insulating housing 6, which is composed of a main part 6a and a cover part 6b. The cover part 6a is placed onto the front opening of the main part 6a and thus locked in place after the contact insert 2, together with the associated retaining element 5, has been inserted into the main part 6a.

[0078] The cover part 6b has a number of conductor entry channels 7 arranged side by side, corresponding to the number of poles. The adjacent conductor entry channels 7 can be spatially separated from each other by partitions.

[0079] The illustrated embodiment shows a three-pole terminal block 1. Other pole configurations, from single-pole to n-pole (where n is an integer), can be implemented in the same way. In the single-pole version, the busbar is connected to another electrical conductor or conductive part in a different manner, for example, with a solder pin on a circuit board, or via another plug, screw, insulation displacement, or solder contact.

[0080] Fig. Figure 13 shows a side section view of a second embodiment of a connecting terminal 1 with a contact insert 2 and a holding element 5.

[0081] The construction essentially corresponds to the previously described connecting clamp 1. The clamping spring 3 is now designed as a U-shaped leg spring. The tongue root 9 is designed as a spring arc, which connects the clamping leg 10 to the contact leg 32. The contact leg 32 initially connects to the spring arc, i.e., the tongue root 9, with its first (horizontal) section 32a as a continuous section across its width, rather than as two edge webs 12. After widening, it transitions into edge webs 12 bent from the first (horizontal) section 32a, which form the second (vertical) section 32b.

[0082] Furthermore, reference can be made to the explanations regarding the first embodiment; they apply analogously here as well.

[0083] Fig. Figure 14 shows a side view of a spring-loaded clamping spring 3 for the contact insert 2 of the connecting terminal 1. Fig. 13.

[0084] It can be seen that the clamping leg 10 transitions into the support leg 32 via a spring-loaded arc 9. The support leg 32 has the horizontal first section 32a, the second (vertical) section 32b formed by a pair of spaced-apart edge webs 12, and the adjoining third (horizontal) section 32c, which projects towards the extended clamping leg 10. A clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor is located at the free end 11 of the clamping leg 10.

[0085] Fig. Figure 15 shows a side view of the clamping spring 3 for the contact insert 2 of the connecting terminal 1. Fig. 14 in the closed clamping position.

[0086] The clamping leg 10 is now positioned with its free end section 11 between the third section 32c and the first section 32a of the mounting leg 32.

[0087] It is evident that the clamping leg 10 rests on the upper side of the first section 32a at the transition to the spring bow (i.e., the tongue root 9). At least the first section 32a and the clamping leg 10 form two layers there, even if these do not necessarily have to touch.

[0088] Fig. Figure 16 shows a side view of the clamping spring 3 for the contact insert 2 of the connecting terminal 1. Fig. 14 in the open hold-open position.

[0089] It becomes clear that the clamping leg 10 with its free end section 11 is now displaced towards the plane of the first section 32a. The clamping leg 10 then dips into the window recess 24 bounded by the edge webs 12 of the second section 32b.

[0090] Fig. Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the clamping spring 3. Fig. 15 in the closed clamping position.

[0091] It can be seen that the spring arch 9 has sections separated from each other by a clearance 28. Optionally, the spring arch 9 can be continuous across its width without such clearances 28. The spring characteristic can be adjusted using the at least two sections, as in the example with three sections. These multiple sections are particularly advantageous when the clamping leg 10 rests on the support leg 32 at the transition to the spring arch 9, and thus a spring force also results from bending at this support.

[0092] Fig. Figure 18 shows a perspective rear side sectional view of the connecting terminal 1. Fig. 13.

[0093] The formation of the lingual root 9 by a spring-like arch is clearly visible. Furthermore, the widening of the first section 32a of the basal limb 32 at the transition to the projecting marginal ridges 12 of the second section 32b can be seen.

[0094] Fig. Figure 19 shows a side-section view of the contact insert 2 of the second embodiment of a connecting terminal 1 with the holding element 5 in the open holding position. It can be seen that the detent contour 17 in the transition between the release lug 18 and the detent lug 16 is designed as an S-shaped bend, which forms a recess for receiving the free end of the clamping leg 10 deflected towards the contact leg 32. The clamping edge 27 of the clamping leg 10 is pressed against the detent contour 17 by the spring force of the clamping spring 13, which locks the clamping leg 10.

[0095] It is also evident that the holding element 5 engages the third section 32c of the mounting leg 32 in a claw-like manner with the crossbar 15 and the retaining flap 25 in order to fix the holding element 5 to the clamping spring 3. Reference symbol list 1 connecting terminal 2 Contact Insert 3 clamping springs 4 busbar 5. Holding element 6 Insulating housings 6a Main part 6b Lid part 7 conductor entry channel 8 ladder collection bags 9. Tongue root 10 clamping legs 11 free end section 12 Edge bar 13 Stop section 14 Holding claw 15 crossbar 16 Resting Footbridge 17 Rast contour 18 Release bridge 19 Bridge 20 Release plate 21 Holding crossbar 22 Clamping section 23 spaces 24 Window recess 25 retaining flaps 26 Contact edge 27 clamping edge 28 Free space 32 attachment legs 32a first (horizontal) section 32b second (vertical) section 32c third (horizontal) section A trigger force F Escape L conductor insertion direction QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1 855 353 B1

[0003] EP 3 507 866 B1

[0004] DE 20 2018 102 218 U1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Terminal block (1) for electrical conductors with an insulating housing (6) having a conductor insertion channel (7) extending in a conductor insertion direction (L), and with a contact insert (2) formed from a clamping spring (3) and a busbar (4), wherein the clamping spring (3) has a tongue root (9), a clamping leg (10) movably projecting from the tongue root (9) with its free end section (11) and a contact leg (32) with edge webs (12) defining a recess and arranged on both sides next to the clamping leg (10), characterized by , that - the mounting leg (32) extends with a first section (32a) from the common tongue root (9) in the conductor insertion direction (L) and with a second section (32b) extends transversely to the conductor insertion direction (L) towards the busbar (4) and with a third section (32c) extends opposite to the conductor insertion direction (L), wherein the first section (32a) is formed by the edge webs (12), and - a holding element (5) forms a further part in addition to the clamping spring (3) and the busbar (4), wherein the holding element (5) is connected to the contact insert (2), - wherein the holding element (5) is attached to the third section (32c) of the support leg (32) by a holding section (13) and has at least one detent rib (16) which extends next to the second section (32b) and each of the edge ribs (12) of the clamping spring (3) towards the first section (32a) of the support leg (32) and has a detent contour (17) which is designed to form a stop for the clamping leg (10) which is moved into an open position towards the first section (32a) of the support leg (32), and - wherein the holding element (5) has at least one release rib (18) extending from the locking rib (16) in the conductor insertion direction (L) and connected to a release plate (20) oriented transversely to the conductor insertion direction (L). [2] Connecting terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the rest contour (17) is formed by an indentation on the rest ribs (16). [3] Connecting terminal () according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the third sections (32c) of the mounting leg (32) of the clamping spring (3) are connected to each other by a transverse web (15). [4] Connecting terminal (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the holding element (5) with its holding section (13) is positively connected to the crossbar (15) of the third section (32c) of the mounting leg (32). [5] Connecting terminal (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the retaining section (13) is bent in a U-shape and accommodates the crossbar (15) of the third section (32c) of the mounting leg (32) of the clamping spring (3) between itself. [6] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the holding section (13) of the holding element (5) has a U-shaped bent holding claw (14) between each pair of locking bars (12). [7] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the holding section (13) of the holding element (5) is positively locked between the conductor rail (4) and the third section (22c) of the mounting leg (22) of the clamping spring (3). [8] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the contact insert (2) has several clamping points arranged in a row next to each other, into which stripped ends of the electrical conductors can be inserted parallel to each other from the same side of the insulating housing (6), wherein, according to the number of poles of the connecting terminal (1), several clamping legs (10) project side by side from the common tongue root (9) and the busbar (4) extends on the opposite side of the tongue root (9) in the direction of the clamping legs (10) and the edge webs (12) of the mounting leg (3). [9] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the holding element (5) has a holding crossbar (21) on its holding section (13), from which an adjacent pair of locking bars (16) project at a distance from each other for each clamping leg (10), forming a window recess (24), wherein the pair of locking bars (16) adjacent to the locking contour (17) arranged away from the holding crossbar (21) transition on the locking bars (16) into the release bars (18), which extend at an angle to the locking bars (16), and wherein each pair of release bars (18) is connected to a release plate (20) extending transversely to the release bars (18). [10] Connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in that the busbar (4) extends with a clamping section (22) into the space between a pair of edge webs (12) in the transition from the second section (32b) to the third section (32c) of the mounting leg (32), wherein the clamping section (22) together with a clamping edge (27) of the clamping leg (10) forms a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor. [11] Connecting clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in that the clamping spring (3) is formed from a spring steel sheet, wherein the clamping leg (10) is separated from laterally adjacent first sections (32a) of the contact leg (32) in the form of a leaf spring tongue and the first and second sections (32a, 32b) are formed as edge webs (12). [12] Connecting clamp (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in that the clamping spring (3) is a U-shaped bent leg spring, wherein the tongue root (9) is formed from a spring arc connecting the clamping leg (10) with the contact leg (32). [13] Connecting clamp (1) according to claim 12, in that the spring bow (9) has several sections separated from each other by a free space (28). [14] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the insulating housing (6) has a bridge (19) which projects into the space (23) between each pair of release bridges (18). [15] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the insulating housing (6) has a cover part (6a) with conductor entry channels (7) arranged side by side and a main part (6b) with a receiving opening for the contact insert (2) and with conductor collection pockets (8), wherein the release plates (20) of the holding element (5) are arranged in the conductor collection pockets (8).

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